Morning, everyone! Just yesterday, I received in the mail my beloved Cox & Cox catalog. As per usual, it’s filled to the brim with the most delightful details one could ask for in a wedding and, as per usual, it’s got me all hot and bothered. Peculiar how pretty little tchotchkes can do that to a girl. Anyway, gotta share some of the new swag to be had (plus a few oldies for good measure):

Vintage Design Cake Boxes – NEW!

Rose Cupcake Wrappers – NEW!

Vintage Design Cones – NEW!

Cupcake Stand – NOT NEW, BUT STILL!

Organza Favor Bags – NOT NEW AS WELL!

(Like these? Well, using StazOn ink and other materials similar to those in this post on DIY Wedding Eye Candy, I created the CUTEST stamped bags to house some chocolate lollipops I made for Christmas last year. I wish I had a picture of them to show you! They were too cute, if I do say so myself. It’s really so easy – I highly recommend making them yourself!)

My Mom loves Ina Garten. She doesn’t just enjoy her, she doesn’t just get a kick out of her, she LOOOOOOOVES her show. And when her show is on the tele, guess who gets a call? That’s right. But you know what? I love it. I look forward to it.

And that’s because she clues me into delightful desserts like this one here:

I didn’t appoint my Mom “Dessert & Tablescape Inspiration Finder” for nothing. I didn’t think, “ooohhh she’s a woman, so she likes baking, and other womanly things that women do… she’s perfect.” NO. I did it because she’s THE REAL DEAL. She’s tapped into the minds of the collective. She’s got cupcake game, if I may coin a term. She’s knows what looks yummy. Which all translates to: she’s very mainstream with her likes and dislikes. ;)

Like I’ve said recently, I have full confidence in her abilities.

So, I’d love to hear it – what do you think of her talent?

Be honest, however she’s definitely reading this so be kind in your honesty… if that is even a possible thing.

Aaaand these little gems, too, ‘cuz they’re adorable and I need to get it out of my system…

I like that one ‘cuz that’s where I am. :)

I realize V-Day’s, like, a second away, and you can’t exactly get them in time for the Day of Cuddles, but I just HAD to show you those – I hope you understand. They’re too precious for words. Okay, now we move to desserts… these you can still whip up in time!

This next set of photos have a certain special thing in common, that is, aside from being taken in California. Each of them… well, can you guess?

These amazing engagement shots, taken on the beach in Santa Monica, are by California photographer Caroline Tran, and they are treasures.

I’m not much of a fan of the “all kissing, all the time” engagement shoots. They can easily turn into too much of a good thing; the beauty of such intimacy can be lost with repetition. But that’s not what’s happened here.

I adore nearly all things California, I think it’s obvious by now. (A failing economy, fires and one movie star governor are behind the “nearly.”) With so many awe-inspiring bits of photographic beauty emerging from the oblong state on the western edge of our country, it’s hard not to fall deeply and hopelessly in love with its warm sunny glow. And what Sarah Yates produces is no exception…

Like Monique is one of the Queens of Comedy, Sarah Yates is – in my humble opinion, one of the Queens of Engagement & Wedding Photography. And her attractive and endearing subjects don’t hurt, either. This brings me to another thing I love about California. (Resisting the urge to write “Cali” at every turn here, people. It’s rough going.)

I cherish people who wear color. They are the few, the fiery, the walking embodiment of joy. Wearing color can brighten your day, and it can have that same effect on those around you. I always feel a special something different when I wear color, and whatever that is, it feels good, every time. So, if you’re up to it, I suggest adding a splash of color to your typical look if you don’t already… it’s fun, and that’s what life’s about, please don’t forget that!

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By the way, remember Cannelle Et Vanille from earlier? Here are a handful of other reasons I love her…

I left a teaser in my first post of the day… sorry about that, but it wasn’t to mess with you! I just couldn’t keep adding more goodness to it, when the goodness I wanted to add deserved its OWN feature! You understand, right? Hopefully I’ll be able to make amends with all that follows…

Here’s some of the most lovely wedding inspiration I’ve ever seen. In my life. And I’m in my mid-20′s.

… Plus a year or two.

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We begin with a rather exquisite invitation suite…

A few ribbons of seating cards, hung from gilded branches…

A cake into which I wouldn’t want to have to be the first to cut…

A lovely altar, above which hangs the couple’s monogram…

Another cake, same story as above…

And some gold and aqua jewelry. Not too shabby.

Lovely stuff, am I right? I found it over at Martha Stewart Weddings, of course. Specifically, “The Golden Touch” gallery.

I have admired Rebecca Thuss from afar for quite a long stretch now. When it comes to swoon-worthy, she is, in my estimation, a genius. Upon a visit to Rebecca’s site, one finds this menu:

Now, I can speak only for myself, but you might agree with me when I say that this short, sweet list of Portfolio items is kind of paralyzing in a way, with its array of tantalizing topics, each one more enticing than the last. Where to start?!

This frozen moment can be compared to that brief moment when your beloved has just proposed, and you are, for a second, dumbfounded, with an acute case of shock, delight and this is the biggest decision of my life but I need to make it in the shortest period of time manifesting all at once on your face. Or maybe that’s a bit extreme of a comparison. But whatev. No matter, as this period of reaction is short-lived, in both cases. What takes over – back to Rebecca Thuss now – is an unparalleled excitement coupled with a furious exploration of every nook and cranny held within those carefully and cleanly titled categories.

Listed among her many enviable capabilities are Prop & Set Styling, Wedding Design, Event Design and Crafting…

Wow. Every one of those skills is something I think most of us would be pleased as punch to do for a living ourselves.

Little boxes, on the hillside, little boxes, filled with ticky tacky…

These two, above and below, bring back thoughts of this oldie but goodie DIY project.

Want your wedding to be floral-focused? Then these little pink favor boxes could be the perfect finishing touch on your big day. And, speaking of flower power, these gowns will fit that theme, not to mention your shape, expertly.

I adore the favor boxes below; they offer a fun, rustic feel, and the images affixed to the box tops – each one different from the last – are filled with warm colors and tones. Plus, I’m lovin’ the twine and tags, of course. Attention to detail is always admired and appreciated… and if you have the time and desire to do it, I wholeheartedly champion the effort (and I’d love to attend your wedding, as well!).

Cherries! Little scalloped edged bags of transparent vellum, filled with (what I consider to be delicious) deep red cherries. So simple, so pretty… it’s perfect for the quick and easy favor, but still quite upscale and dignified.

Feeling inspired? Stay tuned for more posts about other terrific ideas and sources for making your own, or at least semi-homemade, wedding favors. There are so many out there, it’s kind of unreal, and definitely overwhelming. But, as always, my goal is to track down the best of the best, or invent on my own when I feel like getting crafty.

For now, here are a couple of handpicked resources where you can find yourself some of your very own perfect favor packaging supplies…

You may have seen this golden beauty on The Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda: it’s the Limited Edition COUSIN CLAUDINE EXCLUSIVE FOR JENNIFER MILLER, and I highly recommend it! And why not on your wedding day, as your ‘something pink?’ :) In my opinion, it would look stunning on a bride’s wrist as she walks down the aisle. So, consider supporting this October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Program benefiting SUSAN G KOMEN FOR THE CURE by dawning one of these:Breast Cancer Awareness bracelet of jewels.